The Squadron

So who are we and what do we offer?

Are
you up for fun, adventure, incredible experiences and making new
friends? Are you looking for something to give you the edge in life?
Then welcome to the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO). Better known as the
'Air Cadets', we’re a UK-wide cadet force with more than 40,000 members
aged between 13 and 20 years.

We're sponsored by the Royal Air
Force and can give you hands-on experience of activities and courses
that will challenge and develop your skills to help you succeed in
whatever you want to do.

The ACO is made up of two areas:

Air
Training
Corps - The ATC is the RAF's cadet force, divided into six
regions, 36 wings and more than 900 squadrons within communities around
the UK

Combined Cadet Force (RAF) - The CCF (RAF) is our
section of the CCF which is made up of cadets from all three services,
coming together in approximately 200 independent and state schools
across the country

Our aims are to:

Promote and
encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force
among young people

Provide training which will be useful in the
Services and civilian life

Encourage the spirit of adventure
and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

And
there's one more important thing - it's a lot of fun!

Ready for a challenge?

As
a cadet you'll have the opportunity to do things that others only dream
about. Want real flight experience? No problem. How about heading out
on adventurous training and camps, sometimes overseas? Normal for
cadets. Competitive sports, drill, shooting, music, abseiling,
engineering projects? Our list of activities is long, varied and open
to all cadets. Yes it's a challenge, but that's what life's all about.

Get a head start

We
are not a recruiting organisation for the RAF but if you're thinking
about a Service career, cadet membership will put you ahead of the
competition. Many cadets go on to great success in the RAF (and the
other Services). Around 40% of officers and 50% of all aircrew
(including pilots, navigators and engineers) in the RAF now are
ex-cadets. Research shows that they do better in basic training and
stay in the Service longer than their colleagues. Likewise, if you
chose a civilian career our research proves you can go on the great
things…employers just love the skills and experience that air cadets
offer.

Let's face it - where else would you be given the
opportunity to fly solo in a glider or powered aircraft when you're 17?
Whatever you do with your life, at the end of your time as a cadet
you'll be self-motivated, confident and ready for